Pressure washers are incredibly effective tools for cleaning stubborn dirt and grime from various surfaces. Whether you’re using a power washer to clean your driveway, deck, or car, the force of water pressure can make quick work of even the toughest stains.
However, these machines, while highly efficient, can also pose significant risks if not handled properly. In fact, pressure washer injuries can be severe, with the potential for cutting, injecting water into the skin, or causing serious tissue damage.
In this article, we will discuss the potential hazards associated with high-pressure water cleaners, including what pressure levels pose a risk, the types of injuries that can occur, what to do if you are injured, and how to ensure safety when using pressure washers.
Safety First: Instructions and Precautions For Pressure Washing
Before using any electric pressure washers or gasoline engine-powered pressure washers, it’s essential to prioritise safety. These machines can generate significant force, often measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), which means they can easily injure a person if misused.
Here are key safety precautions to follow:
Read the Safety Instructions
Always refer to the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific pressure washer model. These instructions provide valuable guidance on the safe operation of the equipment, including recommended distances and angles for cleaning.
Never Point at Yourself or Others
Always point the nozzle away from yourself, others, and pets. Even at lower pressures, water can cause injury. At high pressures, the water stream can cut into skin and muscle.
Check Equipment for Damage
Before using the machine, ensure it is in good working condition. Check for any cracks or wear in the hose, nozzle, and power source. Ensure that the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is functioning correctly, especially when operating in wet locations.
Wear Proper Protective Equipment
Always wear protective gear when using a pressure washer. This includes rubber-soled shoes, safety goggles to protect against eye injuries, and heavy-duty gloves to shield your hands from accidental contact with the high-pressure water stream. Protective gear also includes wearing long sleeves and pants to avoid high-pressure injuries on exposed skin.
Check Wet Or Enclosed Locations
Using a pressure washer in wet locations or enclosed spaces increases the risk of electric shock and other complications. Always ensure you’re working in a dry, open area to minimise this risk.
What Level of Pressure Poses a Risk?
The water pressure generated by pressure washers varies depending on the model. Domestic models typically range from 1,300 to 2,500 PSI, while industrial models can reach pressures upwards of 4,000 PSI or more. The greater the pressure, the higher the risk of injury.
Pressure washers operating above 2,000 PSI are particularly hazardous and can cause high-pressure injection injuries. These injuries occur when water is forced into the skin, often creating small, painful wounds and injecting air, which can lead to serious tissue damage. Even at lower pressures, water can cause cuts or bruising if the nozzle is held too close to the skin.
In general:
- Low-pressure washers (1,300-1,800 PSI): May cause abrasions or minor cuts if mishandled.
- Medium-pressure washers (1,800-2,500 PSI): Can cause cuts or subcutaneous air (air trapped under the skin) but are less likely to result in severe injuries.
- High-pressure washers (2,500 PSI and above): Can cause serious injuries such as high-pressure injection injury, subcutaneous emphysema, and compartment syndrome. At these pressures, the risk of severe internal tissue damage is high.
Types of Reported and Potential Pressure Washer Injuries
Pressure washer injuries can vary in severity, from superficial wounds to major tissue damage. Some of the most common injuries include:
High-Pressure Injection Injury
This is one of the most serious types of injuries caused by pressure washers. It occurs when the high-pressure water stream penetrates the skin and enters the underlying tissues, muscles, and blood vessels. This can lead to extensive underlying tissue damage and may require surgical intervention to remove the water and prevent infection.
Eye Injuries
Water at high pressures can easily damage the eyes, causing irritation or more severe injuries. Always wear safety goggles or protective gear to avoid eye injuries.
Lacerations and Abrasions
Even at lower pressures, pressure washers can cause skin lacerations, particularly if the nozzle is held too close to the body. These types of injuries can result in serious wounds that may require stitches or bandaging.
Air Embolism
If water is forced into a blood vessel, air can enter the bloodstream, leading to an air embolism, a life-threatening condition. This can happen if high-pressure water is injected into areas like the hand or foot, where air bubbles can travel into the veins.
Muscle and Nerve Damage
In addition to skin injuries, pressure washers can damage deeper tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Worsening compartment pressures can lead to compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up in muscles and causes tissue damage.
Electric Shock
If the pressure washer is not grounded properly, or if the user comes into contact with water and electricity simultaneously, an electric shock can occur. This is especially dangerous in wet conditions.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured
If you or someone else is injured while using a pressure washer, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, especially in the case of a high-pressure injection injury or subcutaneous emphysema. Here’s what you should do:
Call for Emergency Help
If the injury is severe, call an ambulance or head to the emergency department. Time is critical in preventing infection and further damage.
Stop Using the Pressure Washer
Immediately turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the power source to avoid further injury.
Clean the Wound
If the injury is minor, clean the wound with clean water, pat it dry with a clean cloth, and apply an adhesive bandage. For unclean wounds, make sure to wash them thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. Apply a warm compress if necessary.
Seek Medical Treatment
For deeper injuries or signs of compartment syndrome, seek urgent care. You may need intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if the injury is large or there are signs of subcutaneous emphysema. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair the damage.
Follow-Up Care
If you are treated for a high-pressure injury, follow the doctor’s instructions for outpatient follow-up, including checking for signs of infection, managing forearm pain, and seeking additional care if necessary.
Additional Health Risks: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Internal Injuries
While pressure washers are commonly associated with injuries caused by high-pressure water streams, there are other potential health risks that users should be aware of, particularly when using pressure washers in poorly ventilated spaces or with certain types of engines.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
One risk associated with using gasoline engine-powered pressure washers is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced when fuel is burned. When using a gasoline-powered pressure washer, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, there is a risk of inhaling carbon monoxide fumes, which can lead to severe pain, dizziness, confusion, or even unconsciousness.
To prevent this, always operate gas-powered washers outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Never use them in enclosed spaces like garages or basements, as the buildup of carbon monoxide can be fatal.
Water & Air Bubbles
Another hazard associated with high-pressure washing is the introduction of water and air bubbles into the body, which can lead to internal injuries. High-pressure injection injuries often involve water or air being forced beneath the skin and into deeper tissues. If the water or air enters a blood vessel, it can interfere with blood flow, causing damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
In some cases, this may result in subcutaneous emphysema, a condition where air accumulates beneath the skin, leading to severe pain and requiring medical attention. The introduction of air or water bubbles can also contribute to compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up in the muscle compartments, restricting blood flow and causing long-term tissue damage.
Severe Pain & Complications
Injuries from high-pressure washers can lead to severe pain due to the damage caused by the water pressure. High-pressure injection injuries typically affect multiple tissue layers, from the skin to underlying muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
This can cause severe pain and extensive underlying tissue damage that may require surgical intervention. If the water stream is injected into a sensitive area, such as the hands or forearms, the injury can cause forearm pain or make it difficult to move the fingers, leading to complications with blood flow.
Working with a Specialist for Very High-Pressure Cleaning
If you are dealing with heavy-duty pressure cleaning tasks or professional pressure washing services, it’s best to consult with a specialist. High-pressure cleaning requires experience and the proper tools to ensure safety. For example, gasoline engine-powered pressure washers or electric pressure washers with extremely high pressure should only be operated by trained professionals to avoid the risk of injury.
A specialist can ensure that the correct safety measures are in place, including using rubber-soled shoes for traction, proper protective equipment, and equipment safe for use in the working environment.
While pressure washers are incredibly effective cleaning tools, they also pose significant risks when used improperly. Pressure washer injuries can range from minor abrasions to serious high-pressure injection injuries that require immediate medical attention. By following safety precautions, using the correct protective gear, and ensuring the equipment is in good working order, you can minimise the risks associated with pressure washing.
Always remember to prioritise safety and seek immediate medical care in the event of an injury. If you are unsure about how to use a pressure washer safely or need to tackle a high-pressure cleaning task, get in touch with our team.
